Avondale Wine Estate
Winery Description
Location and History
Avondale Estate, situated at the foot of the Klein Drakenstein Mountains, embodies a philosophy deeply rooted in the belief that "Soil is Life" (Terra Est Vita). This ethos reflects Avondale's vision of the estate as a dynamic living system, where soil, water, energy, plants, animals, people, and even buildings are interconnected and interdependent. Certified organic and practising biodynamic agriculture, Avondale goes beyond these beneficial systems by incorporating the best of 21st-century science, technology, and knowledge to enhance sustainability. This commitment is evident in every aspect of the estate, from the carefully tended vines to the premium quality, naturally-made wines it produces.
Wine Tasting
Visitors to Avondale Estate are welcomed into an elegant and comfortable Tasting Gallery, where they can enjoy personal attention and specialist service. Here, guests can enjoy tasting Avondale's seven hand-crafted, classic wines, each brimming with life and character. The wine-tasting experience at Avondale is not just about the wines themselves but also about understanding the unique processes behind their creation, all of which have Mother Nature's approval.
Avondale offers guided tours of their state-of-the-art gravity flow cellar, constructed three stories underground in a natural dry riverbed for those who wish to delve deeper into the winemaking process. Additionally, the estate provides Eco Wine Safaris, where visitors can explore the farm's beautiful landscape and discover the remarkable methods used to produce Avondale's extraordinary wines. These safaris include tastings of wines right in the vineyard blocks where the grapes were grown, making the experience both educational and immersive. All Eco Wine Safaris are individually catered and require an appointment to ensure a personalised and memorable experience.
Restaurant
FABER, the on-site restaurant at Avondale, is a sustainability-driven establishment that aligns perfectly with the estate's ethos. The restaurant focuses on supporting organic, free-range, and low-carbon producers. The culinary journey at FABER begins each morning when the chefs harvest fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs from Avondale's organic garden. This ensures that the ingredients are as fresh and seasonal as possible. Any additional ingredients are sourced from carefully researched, ethical, small-farm suppliers, ensuring the integrity and quality of every dish. FABERfood, as the chefs call it, is a celebration of pure culinary craftsmanship—wholesome, nourishing, and true to the superior provenance of its ingredients.
Accommodation
Tours and Activities
Avondale is a destination for wine lovers and a magnificent setting for a wide array of tailor-made events, whether for work, celebration or creating lasting memories. During summer, visitors can enjoy picnics on Saturdays and Sundays, with options ranging from deluxe baskets filled with treats from FABER Restaurant and goods from OCHRA to special kids' picnics. The picnic spots offer breathtaking views of the Paarl and Simonsberg Mountains or shaded areas under oak trees next to a stream, providing the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day out.
Every Saturday morning, Avondale opens its farm for guided walks, offering guests the chance to experience the estate's natural beauty, including views of Table Mountain, Paarl Rock, and the Simonsberg Mountains. These walks take visitors through the vineyards, pastures, and routes showcasing the estate's rich Cape flora. For art enthusiasts, the Winelands Gallery at Avondale displays various South African artists' works within the beautiful buildings of the Avondale Tasting Gallery and FABER Restaurant. Whether you are looking to add a unique piece to your collection or just beginning your journey into art, the gallery offers a captivating selection of themes and masterpieces to suit all tastes.
The Avondale Deli also provides a delightful selection of gifts, health foods, and locally sourced products. Visitors can pop in for a cup of coffee and browse through the seasonal offerings, including locally produced cheeses, chocolates, dried fruits, and, of course, the full range of Avondale wines.